Ford refreshes its line-up

Ford Motor Company is targeting industry-leading product freshness in Europe with a major acceleration of new cars and CVs, including several new models which were on display at the Paris Motor Show, including the new Mondeo, Fiesta, EcoSport and Tourneo Connect.

Ford said by 2017 it will have refreshed its European line-up nearly twice over by volume, delivering what it expects will be Europe's freshest and most up-to-date passenger car lineup. For commercial vehicles in the same period, Ford will offer an all-new or significantly refreshed lineup 1.3 times, that again is significantly greater than any competitor.

"We are in the early stages of what is perhaps the most aggressive product rollout ever for Ford of Europe," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. "The new products in our showrooms and on display in Paris really underscore our commitment to invest in product and for the future even during these challenging times."

Ford said the total European car and CV market, including Russia, is expected to grow 20 per cent in the next five years to 23 million vehicles.

"Even with the near-term business environment, Europe presents a significant opportunity for profitable growth," Odell said.

All-new Mondeo

The first model built on Ford's new global CD-segment platform, all-new Mondeo, will deliver superior refinement through the European debut of integral link rear suspension and raise the quality bar with the introduction of massage function-equipped multi-contour seats and heated steering wheel.

Ford will offer all-new Mondeo in five-door, wagon and four-door versions; equipped with a raft of innovative technologies, including Advanced Active Park Assist – Ford's first automated parking system to support parallel and perpendicular reverse parking manoeuvres.

Also making their European debut in the all-new Mondeo are Ford's rear inflatable seatbelts, while retractable panoramic roof, segment-first adaptive full LED headlamps, power-adjustable steering column and SYNC with MyFord Touch are also introduced.

Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine makes its debut in Fiesta with 100 PS and 125 PS power levels, while a non-turbocharged 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine will be offered for the first time in a Ford vehicle, with 65 PS and 80 PS variants available. A special ECOnetic Technology model features additional fuel-saving technologies to deliver 87 g/km CO2 emissions and 3.3 l/100km.

Ford's Auto-Start-Stop system, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle and restarts the engine when the driver wants to move off, will be an option on some derivatives, enabling sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions for petrol powertrains, and 6-speed Powershift transmission is introduced to the range for the first time.

The new Fiesta's package of leading Ford driver assistance and safety features will include MyKey and in-car connectivity system SYNC with Emergency Assistance.

All-new EcoSport

All-new EcoSport is based on Ford's global B-segment platform and will go on sale for European customers within 18 months. It will be equipped with the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and line up alongside all-new Kuga and later Ford Edge, a larger and more premium vehicle already popular in North America.

"Ford EcoSport combines the value, quality and fuel efficiency of Fiesta, with the exciting look and feel of a modern SUV," said Nick Collins, Ford's global B car vehicle line director. "Its stylish design should prove a tempting addition to Ford's B segment range which already includes the innovative B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle and the new Fiesta."

All-new EcoSport is the first global Ford to be developed entirely in South America. Introduced in 2003, the ground-breaking first model established a new segment and sold more than 700,000 units in the region.

All-new Tourneo Connect

Stylish new Tourneo Connect offers active families an attractive and affordable new package with dynamic looks, outstanding space and versatility, along with the latest Ford passenger car technologies – including the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, Active City Stop and Ford SNYC.

The new family vehicle provides the choice of spacious five- and seven-seat models, an all-new interior with flexible seating and stowage, and a range of highly efficient diesel and petrol engines targeting best-in-class fuel economy. Tourneo Connect is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2013.

Formula Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost

Ford is displaying a unique Formula Ford race car, fitted with Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. The one-off road-legal racer boasts an unofficial top speed of 255.5 km/h (158.8 mph) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of less than four seconds.

Comments are submitted under the express understanding and condition that the editor may, and is authorised to,
disclose any/all of the above personal information to any person or entity requesting the information for the
purposes of legal action on grounds that such person or entity is aggrieved by any comment so submitted.

At this time your comment will not be displayed immediately upon posting. Please allow some time for your comment to
be moderated before it is displayed.

Popular Stories

Email article

Your Email:

Recipient email:

Message:

Times of Malta Premium

This article is part of our premium content.You have exceeded your 10 free articles for this month.
A subscription is required to access Times of Malta content from overseas.
Register to get 10 free articles per month.

Subscribe to gain access to our premium content. Your subscription will also enable you to view all of the week's e-paper editions (both Times of Malta and The Sunday Times of Malta), view exclusive content, have full access to our newspaper archive to download editions from 1930 to today, and access the website in full from overseas. All of this will also be available to you from our tablet app.